Will 'vanilla' Vista 64 / Win2k8 Server run OK on XPS M1330?

Hi all

I'm considering this upgrade, but I only have vanilla install disks.

Are there issues running a non-Dell OS on an XPS M1330? I seem to recall reading something about this here, but cannot find the related thread(s).

I understand about having to find all the drivers (I have read much of the Vista 64 upgrade thread by Trebuin [thx, T - brilliant work!]), but don't want to go through the pain if a vanilla OS disk won't 'cut it'.

Any advice gratefully received.

TIA.

JG

 

Do it...I'm running a 'vanilla' copy of Vista Ultimate x64. You'll probably find that it actually runs better, since a clean install will decrapify your lappy.

Decrapification = goodness =]

I've also heard the Server 2008 is a pretty watered down version of Vista, w/server capabilities, so you may find it even more responsive. But, as long as you have 2GB ram, I think you'll love Vista x64.

 

Thanks MeetLoaf13.

I'll get this going tomorrow (and probably for quite a few tomorrows thereafter! )

Rgds
JG

 

definitely follow Treb's guide, it's awesome.

Also, one thing that has been very successful for me is to install all windows updates before getting into Program Installation too heavily.

You might also look into something like CloneZilla, to do an image of your installation, so that you never have to do a clean install again (provided you do it right before the image is made). This works especially well if you keep your Vista OS on a separate partition from your files.

 

More good advice, thx. I will create a more complex partitioning arrangement as a result of this advice:

C: OS
D: Data
E: OS clone

...or something along these lines.

Or does Clonezilla write a copy of the installation to DVDR?


Thanks again M, appreciated.

JG

 

np, glad to help

 

tried Windows Server 2008 on my m1330 (free copy from Microsoft-> Students promotion DREAMSPARK)... installs, works fine(theres a program/site that enables stuff to make the OS more 'desktop' like{eg WS08 comes with sound/WiFi disabled)

missed Windows Media Center, went back to Vista x64

 

Is 2008 now on the Dreamspark site or was that a promotion? I've only seen Server 2003.

The Vista drivers will work for Server 2008 just fine. The thing is Dell doesn't offer the x64 drivers for the M1330 so you'll have to track them down yourself. There are a few threads about them, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

 

Yes, 2008 IS on dreamspark.

 

Cool, I'll have to check it out when I get home. I already bought a TechNet subscription so I doubt I will need any more copies, but it is good to know.

 

I have XP32 (I need for VPN) , Vista64, Windows 2008 64 Enterprise (with Hyper-v running another Xp) installed on my 1330. All runs sweet with Windows 2006 is the fastest. Check http://www.win2008workstation.com for guidelines. Most Vista64 drivers will work on Windows 2008. For Nvidia try Windows Catalog or use modded drives from other sites. Windows catalog is also good for other drivers. Just search with the manufacturer name and you can sort by release date. All MS certified. http://catalog.update.microsoft.com

Hmmm did I say Windows 2008 runs amazingly fast Faster than Vista. By default most of Vista junk is disabled. Not for games though. Play around, hyper V is cool. It works with the wireless via bridged connection.

Good luck.

 

I haven't gotten a chance to play around with Hyper-V yet. Would you say it is as useful as VMWare? I'd like to setup a few Linux VMs to play around with from time to time. I also agree Server 2008 is the fastest.

 

Hyper V is new and I am not sure if it supports Linux. I have only tried with XP for using VPN. For some reason my VPN to work connects fine with Vista and Win 2008 but RDC is painfully slow. I tried all the tricks like disable auto tuning etc but non work. If I use XP VM on Win 2008 Hyper-V VPN and RDC works just like stand alone. It is a lot fun to get all these singing together.
As for comparing with Vmware, Hyper-V is not there yet but it is a good direction MS is taking. Virtualization will be hot for the next few years. MS doing again what they are good at. Including the features in their product to kill off the others. Remember IE, Media Player, RDC

 

DELL DOES have drivers for M1330 running 64bit Vista. They even have the fingerprint scanner software fully working. Check again its there. Can anyone help me with this. I have 2 DVD's one says windows SErver 2008 full MSDN RTM the other is just plain windows server 2008 which should I use and what is the difference between the 2 thank you for your help

 

2008 server or 2008 server full msdn rtm on xps M1330?

 

They should both be the same as long as it has the same build number.